#1 TOP DEFINITION
Junior or underclassman — the opposite of sunbae. A K-pop group or idol that debuted after another. Hoobae acts are expected to show deference and respect. When a veteran group publicly praises their hoobae, it's a major moment in fan communities. Many idol groups develop formal mentorship bonds with their sunbae.
Example
“BTS went out of their way to compliment ENHYPEN as exceptional hoobae — the interaction trended on Twitter for two days.”
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Heard from an Idol
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